The euphoria that is surrounding Traore should not blindside anyone into believing that he is infallible. Being human means that he can be exposed to the risks of “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. His claim to power was not though the usually desirable method of constitutionally conducted democratic elections.
However, what has stood out for now, and far from other hitherto power grabs, Traore seems to spearhead a movement that does not only defies political logic but also long held and established myths about Africa.
Traore seems to re-define independence. No one, no country or entity can operate independently. Traore has not invented the wheel. What he has done is change the rules of engagement.
He has changed the master –servant relationship between his resource laden country and its colonisers to one of partnership and respect. He has changed the players of the partnerships. He is changing the notion that Africa is poor and that the continent can only survive by the power of good will, aid, live Aid concerts and charity begging bowls. He is proving that with the desire for self-actualisation, self-pride, and the emancipation and decolonisation of the African mind, there is no reason why Africa cannot accomplish its full resource -based potential.
Slowly but surely, Traore is dismantling the myth of African poverty. He is disproving Donald Trump’s aspersions that Africa is a Shi….hole. The deliberate and centuries-old brainwashing that was undertaken to convince Africans that the continent is a synonym for poverty, tragedies, famine, diseases, debt and corruption etc is being challenged and dismantled.
In effect, Traore is redefining what African Independence truly means and how it should look like. Some might say that it’s early days yet. That is unquestionably true. However, we should praise where praise is due and criticise where and when we need to.
One of the most telling lessons many would learn from Traore is that, when leaders prioritise the needs of their people, anything is possible. This is why many African countries and their leaders are taking note of what is going on in Burkina Faso. Ibrahim Traore is 36 years old, which seems to resonate with the majority of the young African population.
With all that is going on in Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone’s independence celebrations might have been tinged with a hint of envy. Burkina Faso is generating a groundswell of global citizenship of its nation.
Burkina Faso has cotton and gold as their major export earners. Sierra Leone has diamond, gold, bauxite and iron ore as its major exports. Many would be wondering that if Burkina Faso can do it, why not Sierra Leone?
Burkina Faso has changed its partners in business and has asked for infrastructural developments instead of financial aid, in exchange for its resources. It has got rid of draconian post independent treaties with France, which were aimed at keeping the nation exploited with the conscience of a chainsaw. It has restored pride it is people, in a country that aptly translates as “the land of upright people”. These are some of the crimes for which France and its allies, including Ivory Coast are losing sleep.
This is why Traore is currently singled out by Africa’s perennial hawks, fearful that his brand of leadership is not only a renaissance, an eye opener but also serves as a blueprint for Africa’s potential that has been denied by the twin axes of the west and puppet leaders. Do you expect most of these leaders to sleep well? Now, give five reasons why African countries should celebrate their independence.
By the way, Croydon Borough Council in London celebrated Sierra Leone’s independence with a historic Flag –raising ceremony that was attended by Croydon mayor Kola Agboola and Deputy Mayor Lynne Hale for the first time on Monday 28/04/25 (Source: Abdulai Brima-Information Attaché, SLHC-London).
